The Life Aquatic is another quirky movie directed by Wes Anderson. It’s about a fictionist, famous explorer, Steve Zissou (played by Bill Murray and inspired by Jacque Cousteau) leading a team of misfits to explore the unknown aqua life and discover new, quirky, fictionist creatures to further educate and rise the reputation of the Zissou Society.

After the movie The Life Aquatic was released, a new sub culture was created. Fans would dress up, do scavenger hunts, rallies, and party to the theme of the movie. It’s also inspiration for many artists and designers where shoes, tattoos, paintings and galleries are hosted dedicated to Cult Film.

The Adventures of Team Zissou contagiously unites adventurous misfits; carrying on and defining the bliss and quirky vision of Life Aquatic.

Located in the central pacific coast of costa rica where the beach meets the rainforest. Developed to have a very limited impact and footprint and to become one with the natural landscape, this private retreat will also function as a home base for ecological workshops and biomimicry studies.

Sitting on and around a tight plateau with minimal clearing, above Uvita with panoramic vistas of osa peninsula, caño island and white water breaking on the beaches, the location was also selected for it’s proximity to national parks, Hacienda Baru and Manuel Antonio, know for it’s lush tropical forest and bio-diversity, and it’s unparalleled vast array of botanicals and wildlife.

The main lodge not only allows for sweeping views, where one can meditate on breathtaking views of the pacific, but also allows for maximum use of the topography, with minimum impact on the natural landscape.

A fluid passive ventilation system allows for a comfortable and healthy environment, the steep pitched rooflines with clerestory fenestration allows for optimal use of natural light.

The steep butterfly roof allows for maximum water catchment and filtration system. The deep overhangs also create generous shading in order to control the interior temperatures and natural illumination.

For the Morpho project the Studio Meraz design approach, takes into consideration the contextual tico vernacular and typologies. We feel there is much intelligence to learn from deep research on the local construction methodologies and lifestyles. Our project may also may be seen as a departure from the typical non-efficient high-end hacienda type luxury “retreats” that are springing up in some areas costa rica, and not taking into account the ecological impact they are creating.

First level of the main lodge houses the bodega, which is a secure space for atv’s surfboards and gear, placing the living, kitchen and sleeping quarters above ground. The elevated architecture also allows for parking a vehicle and entering the main dwelling with out getting wet. The large deck on the upper level can serve as gathering space, meditation space, and studio space.

Main lodge is approx. 1,950 sq ft

The guest house hidden in a fern forest, will serve as a secluded retreat.

Has one bedroom, kitchen, bath, outdoor private shower, and living space that opens up to two stunning orientations, the pacific ocean, and the cloud forest.

Guest retreat is approx. 625 sq ft

In both dwellings, all interior elements have been intentionally kept to a minimum, simple, clean, spare and more less on the utilitarian side, no luxury here, just comfortable, and functional. All furniture was built in the local woodworker shop, using indigenous species of woods, primarily from fallen trees, teka, guanacaste, melina and cenizaro

For both dwellings, all structural materials are simple, naturally raw, yet robust enough for the harsh environment factors such as rain, hi humidity, mold and fungus. Galvanized steel, oil rubbed hot rolled metal, enameled corrugated metal, cement board, concrete and teka, all serve as the main materials of the project.

The design is not just about creating a symbiosis between ecology, human experience and space. But also invites one to disconnect from ones digital world and become more aware of ones senses in a haptic realm.

In the 1960’s Radical Architecture groups like Superstudio and Archigram claimed that modern architecture ignored social impact and our primary necessities . They rebelled, claiming that their society was overpowered with capitalistic values. Now today, corporate architecture is as monumental and powerful as ever. Our obsession of consumption, profit and greed has robbed and devalued our humanitarian rights. It misplaces our primary priorities... to live. I'm proposing a people’s park in the financial district of Los Angeles; a Radical Urban Intervention that questions our public realm. It reshapes our humanistic and democratic ideals; to awake and avenge our dusted nation.

VALUES

We must question our values,our priorities, our happiness.

PUBLICREALM

We must question our public realm.Is it really our space? Can we have a voice?Can our voice and actions make a change?

DEATH OFDESIGN

As designers, we need to reconsider our purpose for designing. Natalini wrote in 1971, "...if design is merely and inducement to consume, then we must reject design; if architecture is merely the codifying of burgeois model of ownership and society, then we must reject architecture; if architecture and town planning is merely the formalization of present unjust social divisions, then we must reject town planning and its cities, until all design activities are aimed towards meeting primary needs. Until then, design must disappear. We can live without architecture..."

DEATH OFARCHITECTURE

Once a building is built, it automatically sets it's funeral. Structures are being built with the intent of power and ego. We need to be responsible and design with porosity; making structures adaptable for future development and culture shifts.

CULTURALEMERGENCE

Always consider location: its culture, its politics, its soul. We need to consider the impact architecture will make in the city and the impact it'll have or the existing people around it.

This spectacular new theatrical experience, "Manufacturing Innovation" immerses the audience in the cutting-edge innovation and production of the game-changing aluminum-based F-150. Surrounded by 360-degrees of dazzling imagery, as well as stunning visual and sound effects, visitors meet the people and technologies behind the new truck. Through the magic of 3D form projection mapping, laser effects, and actual moving robots, visitors experience the creation of a new F-150 – from concept to final testing – before their very eyes. “Manufacturing Innovation” is an experience that inspires visitors to join Ford’s important work toward a better future for transportation, and more importantly, for the planet. It highlights the importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) in a real-world application, inspiring visitors (especially students) and emphasizing 21st Century design, engineering, and manufacturing skills.